Edward Leroy Peterson

Edward Leroy Peterson, age 94, passed away on January 10, 2026, in Decatur, Georgia. He was born on November 7, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Harry Peterson and Ethel (Lewis) Peterson.

Ed graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago in 1949, where he played football and swam competitively. He often shared the story that his team’s appearance in the city championship played in Soldiers Field was the only game he played with a modern helmet.

He served four years in the United States Navy in the surface fleet, attaining the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Following his military service, Ed attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri, where he earned a degree in accounting in 1957.

Ed enjoyed a distinguished 50-year career in the office furniture industry, working in sales, marketing, and design well into his eighties. A mentor to generations in the industry, he founded and led Peterson Furniture Industries. In recognition of his leadership and entrepreneurial success, he was named Arkansas Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1989.

A dedicated Mason and Shriner, his tenure as a miniature Corvette driver on the parade team for the Scimitar Temple was a delight for the family.

Ed was famous for his stories and was regarded by many as a trusted confidant and mentor. A passionate golfer, reader, and traveler, he took his greatest pleasure in his friendships, new and old.

Ed and his wife Lucy raised their family in Springdale, Arkansas, where they were active members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. In 2004, they settled in Covington, Georgia, where they were members of Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Ann Peterson of Decatur, Georgia; his son, Edward Lee Peterson, and his wife Shannon Leann Graham of Atlanta, Georgia; and grandchildren Genevieve Claire Peterson and William Atlas Peterson of Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lucy Lee (Oglesby) Peterson.

A memorial service to celebrate Ed’s life will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal, 4140 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/campaign/618584/donate, to support pediatric care and research. J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with these services.

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